APLAC types of arguments

Cause and Effect

An argument that explains how one event causes another.

Syllogistic Argument

An argument that uses two statements to reach a logical conclusion.

Degree

An argument that compares things based on how much or how strongly they have a quality.

Analogies

Arguments that compare two similar things to support a point.

Precedent

An argument that uses a past event or decision to support a current one.

Arguments of Definition

Arguments that explain how something should be defined or classified.

Ad Hominem Argument

An argument that attacks a person instead of addressing their point.

Straw Man Argument

An argument that misrepresents someone’s position to make it easier to attack.

Slippery Slope Argument

An argument that claims one action will lead to a chain of negative events.

Reductio ad Absurdum

An argument that shows a claim is unreasonable by demonstrating that it leads to an absurd conclusion.

Cause and Effect

EX: “If you don’t study, you might fail the test.”

Syllogistic Argument

EX: “All humans need food. I am human, so I need food.”

Degree

EX: “This movie is better than the last one because it has a stronger story.”

Analogies

EX: “Learning to drive is like learning to ride a bike because both take practice.”

Precedent

EX: “The school allowed this club last year, so it should allow it again.”

Arguments of Definition

EX: “Cheating on a test is dishonest because it involves breaking the rules.”

Ad Hominem Argument

EX: “Your opinion about school rules doesn’t matter because you’re lazy.”

Straw Man Argument

EX: “She wants less homework, so she must think students shouldn’t learn anything.”

Slippery Slope Argument

EX: “If we allow phones in class, everyone will stop paying attention and nobody will learn.”

Reductio ad Absurdum

EX: “If nobody followed any rules, people could do anything they wanted, and society would become impossible to manage.”